If historic detail and classic grandeur define your tastes, a traditional look could be your home’s perfect fit. Whether you’re outfitting a townhouse in the city, decorating a stately Colonial or Tudor, or simply looking to add a sense of elegance to an updated apartment, traditional furniture and decor bring warmth and polish to any home. Follow these tips for pulling together a timeless look.

For a look that will never go out of style, incorporate Oriental rugs, furniture with classic elements like turned legs and carving, and antiques-inspired accents like ceramic lamps and gilded mirrors.

Elements of Traditional Style:
How to put together a classically refined look.

The Palette:

A traditional interior is all about understatement—designs that catch your eye but don’t feel trendy or overdone. Consider decorating within one of the following palettes, which add depth to a space while retaining a sense of elegant restraint.

Cream, taupe, and espresso blend well with nearly any accent color. Use neutral shades for your foundations, and incorporate texture using plush pillows, rugs, decorative lighting, and accents with a hint of shine.

A neutral palette with deep colors like navy or olive straddles the line between conservative and fashion-forward. Vibrant window treatments, accent chairs, and throws are all ways to incorporate bolder shades.

Wing chairs, spool chairs, trestle tables, and chaises are beloved for a reason. Features like cabriole legs, and claw feet make tables and chairs feel regal, and interesting details keep the eye moving from piece to piece.

For a collected look, combine wood furniture in ebony, cherry, and chestnut shades. Don’t be afraid to break up a living room or bedroom set. Mixing in glass and stone-topped tables can add to a room’s layered effect.

Try hanging an antique mirror above a contemporary sofa, or dress a sleek bookcase with a set of vintage figurines The contrast will draw attention to the age and history of your finds, sparking conversation.

Whether you opt for simple rod-pocket curtains or elegant pinch-pleat drapes, window treatments and hardware help to finish the look. Similarly, hanging an art collection can give a gallery-like sophistication to a space.

Make a Statement Overhead

Chandeliers, ceiling medallions, and other overhead details emphasize the architecture of a room—a surefire way to create a traditionally elegant air.